Lean and Agile Concepts: The PD Aquarium Case Study.

Analyze the methodology used to understand the processes at the firm
The methodology used in identifying the workflow at PD Aquarium [PDA] is process mapping. The authors have successfully provided a pictorial view of the process through flow charts and the activity maps
Process Mapping helps in analysis of process flow, by differentiating how a process is and how it should be. What functions are performed, how they are performed and how they should be performed. It depicts the activities, information flow and interconnections in a process.
Their effectiveness in identifying problems,
According to process mapping and analysis (2004), it offers a simple, yet powerful method of looking beyond functional activities and rediscovering your core, key and supporting processes. one of the key aspects of mapping is flow charts which gives a picturesque image of the entire process thus aiding in identify the problems in the task and modifying the process therein.
A flow chart looks at a task from every angle. For instance Graham’s Process mapping talks about analyising the “What” documents are used for the process, “where” is the task performed, “who” is carrying out the task, “when and where” is the maximum process time spent, “who” are the decision makers, “where” do the controls lie, and last and most importantly the “where are the “Value Additions”
In case of PDA there are 3 problems that have been identified; 1. Unncessary /excessive movement of WIP 2. Long Lead times for order delivery. 3. Poor product quality.

Evaluate the strategy recommended for improving efficiency and flexibility
Lean strategy has been used to address the inefficiency issue of the unproductive movement of raw materials and WIP. Whereas the Agility strategy has been applied to tackle the problems quality and long lead